Fallen Empire

Born of Ash Series, Book 1

By: Marc Alan Edelheit

Narrated by: John Lee

After years of catastrophic fighting, the rebellion is over. The First Galactic Empire has fallen. Instead of liberation and a return to democracy, freedom, and a new golden age, humanity has been plunged into darkness.

Eighteen years after the Great Fall of civilization, stranded on the wrecked world Asherho, Keira Kane struggles to make her way. Adopted, protected, and raised by former Imperial Marines, Keira has been trained as a mechanic and technician. Her skillset is indispensable to maintaining the decaying infrastructure of her dying planet.

Keira rapidly finds herself a fugitive, hunted not only by the government she has served but by the planetary militia who wants her for their own nefarious reasons. Unbeknownst to Keira, her Imperial Marine companions have been guarding an incredibly valuable secret, one that has the potential to save humanity or see its light extinguished from the galaxy forever.

Keira is thrust into a life-or-death struggle she never imagined. The road ahead is not only dangerous, but a path destined for her alone.

Does she have the courage to walk it? Or will she falter and allow humanity to continue its fall into darkness? Only time will tell....

©2021 Marc Edelheit (P)2021 Tantor

Nice Sequel

I enjoyed the book, Mark continues to have a great imagination and skill at bringing stories to life. Especially glad to see the book was longer than the first with more details revealed.

John Lee does ok, I find he does better at narration than voice acting.

please continue to write

I sure like to see more please continue to write I'm following so many threads of your writing I can't wait to hear on any front thank you.

Space Rock 'n Roll!

This is top shelf space opera that's both fun and easy to enjoy. It's short and sweet, with well developed characters. The plot is interesting and fresh, and there's enough action to keep things moving nicely. What's more, there are none of those little negatives that can ruin a good book/narration. No made-up swear words, no winey characters who spend all their time rehashing their negative feelings. And of course, maybe most importantly, John Lee gives us another masterpiece performance.

An all around great choice, a keeper, and a series of books that I am thoroughly anticipating!

EZ

came for the narrator, stayed for the author

rarely does an author capture military lingo and culture well, especially with the addition of civilian considerations. I liked the descriptive elements and world building, felt like i could see it as a movie in my head which has 1 part Michael Bay, one part Spielberg in his prime and one part Marvel banter. Also i rarely connect as well with female protagonists, but feel this was well written and her plot armor wasnt bulletproof keep going Mr. E, I came for the narrator, stayed for the author.

Another win

It’s not Stiger. Though it is a very worthy plot and I’m looking forward to the next in the series.

wonderful start

A phenomenal introduction to a very interesting universe starts out a little slow but throws us into a great mystery and world. The action was very well done. The narrators performance was wonderful. I really look forward to the series.

Don't pay attention to those John Lee haters

I love John Lee and won't often listen to anyone else. Most of the women narrators make me feel like some kindergarten teacher is reading a nursery rhyme which might work for some people but is all wrong for my scifi. Others like the raspy one character voice of Bray are fine for first person war novels where the hero describes all the action and no other characters exist outside of protagonist perspective. John Lee is an exceptional voice actor and once you understand his cadence, you will find it disappointing to listen to anyone else. Looking forward to John Lee reading the next in book this series because I feel like the story arc has alot of unique potential.

I’m in love … sort of?

This… is an amazing take on the fall of a galaxy spending empire. I find it funny how so many fallen empire series are starting to pop up but this, this one was done well. Micro story into a macro world. Love it!

One crucial recommendation, inexperienced combat personnel do not process or can they walk through an entire narrative of thoughts through a combat engagement. Please stop adding excessive internal dialogue. Specifically DURING a firefight. I can attest to this via my time overseas and watching my buddies next to me. Like, come on… even though I talk smack with marines….. with marines the sense of urgency is so underrated in this book when in real life they are mini-Juggernauts (at least they like it they they are) lol in

book 2;PICK UP THE PACE. I got so tired of the water downing of action sequences that that I just fast-forwarded it. Save the excessive narrative for relaxed moments or more relaxed moments.

Besides the slight waterboarding narrative for which you were forcing character development in a short period (which is often impossible for humans), THIS is a GREAT start to a series. Leave it to the man with a clever twist to stories to add the best twist to the fallen empire story.

Bravo. Now hurry TFU with the next book Mr. Marc. You got enough book series keeping me hooked as it is. Give me some closure!!! I’m tired of you being this talented.

All love

-Tyler

Amazing!

Loved this book! Absolutely can not wait for the next one. Ben Stiger and his Tigers can stand aside, this book delivers on all you could want in a story.

Love the Action, Question the Backstory

(Disclosure: I actually read this book to its completion)

Right off the bat, I had questions about the Empire. Such as how does an Empire that doesnt know war, have seasoned officers/personnel? Why was there a rebellion if everything is good in the Empire? Granted these questions could have real answers that just arent known to us yet, but for how important the “Fall” is, youd think it would garner more page time.

The book has a slow burn starting out. Marc focuses on letting you feel the oppressiveness of the broken world the main character lives in, lets you see how and why she has the skills that she does and solidly establishes the relationship between the main character and the supporting characters. You can easily put yourself in the boots of these characters and get immersed in the world.

Some people say theres no character progression, and I think that is a load of crock. The main character is not AS dynamic as some other characters Ive seen Marc write but to be honest she doesn’t have to be.

I found the action very focused and engaging. You can feel the building of tension before the balloon goes up, and the catharsis when all hell breaks lose. The intrigue of the story ties in with the action and you uncover the story bit by bit and it makes sense.

Does the book have issues? But I am willing to overlook them because I know that Mark has more on the way. Give this book an honest read if you like his other books. It’s well worth the delve into science-fiction